Water Quality: Buffalo Creek, CO
2 water systems • 175 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Buffalo Creek is served by 2 public water systems with a combined service population of 175 people, and has 24 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 10 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Buffalo Creek's violation count is 82% below the national average for Colorado. Contaminants associated with violations include Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, Selenium.
Contaminants Found
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Hair loss, nail brittleness, and nervous system damage at elevated concentrations.
Common source: Natural geological deposits, mining discharges, oil refinery waste
EPA limit: 0.05 mg/L (50 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Buffalo Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO CREEK WD | CO0130015 | Surface Water | 125 | 12 |
| SHAWNEE WCA | CO0147090 | Surface Water | 50 | 12 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Colorado
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.